Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM vs Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM is faster by 1 stop (f/2.8 vs f/4.0), letting in more light.
- Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM is lighter by 1500g.
- Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM goes wider (400mm vs 500mm).
- Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM reaches further (500mm vs 400mm).
| Spec | EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM | EF 500mm f/4L IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Type | Telephoto | Telephoto |
| Focal length | 400mm (wider) | 500mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 (faster) | f/4.0 |
| Released | 1999 | 1999 |
| Blades | 8 | 8 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 13 | 13 |
| Af motor | USM | USM |
| Elements | 17 | 17 |
| Weight g | 5370.0 | 3870.0 (lighter) |
| Length mm | 349.0 | 387.0 |
| Stabilized | Yes | Yes |
| Diameter mm | 163.0 | 146.0 |
| Min focus m | 3.0 (closer focusing) | 4.5 |
| Max magnification | 0.15 | 0.12 |
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM
The 1999 first stabilized version of Canon's 400mm f/2.8, a staple for pro sports and wildlife shooters. Later II and III models reduced the weight.
Pros
- f/2.8 aperture with IS
- Weather-sealed L build
- Fast USM focusing
- Takes Canon extenders
Cons
- About 5.4kg
- Older IS generation
- Heavier than the II and III
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM
The 1999 first stabilized 500mm f/4L, for pro wildlife and sports work. The II version replaced it in 2011.
Pros
- f/4 aperture
- Image stabilization
- Weather-sealed L build
- Takes Canon extenders
Cons
- About 3.9kg
- Heavier than the II
- Minimum focus of 4.5m